Why Melbourne’s First Wagyu Korean BBQ Took Years to Win Over the City скачать в хорошем качестве

Why Melbourne’s First Wagyu Korean BBQ Took Years to Win Over the City

Making this documentary with Shelly and Hando, the founders of Mansae, was one of the greatest privileges of our storytelling journey. On the surface, this is the story of Melbourne’s first Wagyu Korean BBQ restaurant — but at its heart, it’s about resilience, sacrifice, and the belief that food has the power to bring people together. In their mid-twenties, Shelly and Hando walked away from the security of full-time jobs to chase a dream that few understood at the time: to create a Korean BBQ experience focused solely on premium Australian Wagyu beef. With little money to spare, they built their own tables and furniture by hand, asked friends for help, and poured everything they had into a restaurant concept that was both bold and risky. The early years were brutally hard. Some nights, only a handful of tables would fill, and passersby would ask if they were even open. The strain of being both life partners and business partners tested their relationship. They faced criticism from parts of the Korean community, who questioned their right to run a Korean BBQ when they themselves were not Korean. And then came the unimaginable challenge: the pandemic. For a restaurant built on the idea of grilling and sharing food around a table, lockdowns in Melbourne felt like an impossible hurdle. But instead of giving up, they adapted. They created at-home Korean BBQ kits — complete with Wagyu, side dishes, sauces, and even portable grills — to recreate the experience for their customers in their own homes. This creativity and determination not only helped them survive but earned them even greater respect from their community. Today, Mansae is more than a restaurant. It is a gathering place, a symbol of resilience, and proof that passion can turn struggle into something extraordinary. What started with empty tables, handmade furniture, and doubt has grown into a place that celebrates Wagyu beef, honours Korean BBQ with deep respect, and brings together a diverse team of staff and diners from all walks of life. This film is a window into that journey. Inside their kitchen and dining room, you’ll see the long hours, the meticulous care, and the human stories that make Mansae what it is today. It’s a reminder that food is never just about eating — it’s about identity, perseverance, community, and the shared moments that connect us all. Follow StoryBites:   / storybites._   Follow Mansae:   / mansaekbbq